Pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at the University of Sussex was more than just an academic pursuit; it was an immersive journey into the craft of storytelling. It challenged me to explore the nuances of narrative arcs, delve into the complexities of character development, and master the art of world-building. From crafting dynamic plot structures to experimenting with unreliable narrators, I found myself constantly exploring new ways to engage the reader and evoke emotion.
At Sussex, I discovered the delicate balance between imagery and diction, realizing how even the subtlest shifts in tone or syntax could alter the mood of a scene. It was a place where dialogue became a tool for subtext, where the pacing of a story could manipulate tension, and where the precision of word choice could create resonance long after the final page was turned.
I learned to navigate the realms of free indirect discourse and interior monologue, finding ways to weave stream-of-consciousness techniques into my prose. Each workshop and critique session became an exercise in redrafting and revision, where I refined my narrative voice and tightened my storytelling techniques. The mentors who guided me helped me to transform first drafts into polished manuscripts, encouraging me to explore genre-blending and narrative hybridity along the way.
This journey was about more than mastering the fundamentals; it was about discovering my unique narrative voice and style. Sussex taught me to appreciate the rhythm of language, to embrace narrative tension, and to sculpt prose that could shift between lyrical and terse, depending on the needs of the story. It was a place where I learned to see the world with new eyes, to hear the echoes of the old in the voices of the new, and to craft tales that bridge the gap between the two.
With each story I write today, I carry a piece of that adventure—those windswept Sussex days, where I found not just a degree, but a voice that could shape entire worlds.
Thank you!